December 30,2018:

In a case based on two dying declarations of which truthfulness is seriously in doubt, Justice S.B.Shukre and Justice S.M.Modak, of Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court here, have suspended the life sentence awarded to the appellant -woman murder accused Sapna Wasudeo Pande (42), from Gadchiroli district.

About 19 years old Sagar, who was her son and co-accused during the trial was acquitted because he was named in only one of the two dying declarations. Hence, the trial court acquitted him giving the benefit of doubt.
Suspending life sentence awarded to her till final disposal of her appeal, the HC has directed her release only till then, on furnishing PR Bond of Rs 50,000/- together with one solvent surety in the like sum on the condition that the appellant shall appear before the HC as and when required by it.
The life sentence was imposed on the appellant by the Sessions Judge, Gadchiroli on July 23, 2018 by committing murder of the deceased Momin, who was allegedly set ablaze by her in her house on April 29, 2015, after. pouring petrol on his person.
According to the prosecution, the deceased was having affair with her since 2004. In the year 2009, the appellant could get a job in the Police Department and she had promised Momin to marry him after 3 years, but she developed intimacy with another person.
On the fateful day of the murder, she had called the deceased to her housed and when he started demanding his money, with the help of her son, she committed his murder.
Advocate Rajendra Daga appeared for the appellant. APP Kalyani Deshpande represented the State.

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